‘Spiritual’ Gurus of India – the super rich

In a largely critical article about Indian gurus, several of whom are under criminal investigation, Silicon News details some of the assets of five of the richest “spiritual gurus” of Indian (while referring to Sathya Sai Baba as having been the richest of all). See Super-Rich Gurus of India or click on image on the right to zoom in and read the introductory text…

As is known to all readers of this blog, Sai Baba was known for very widespread allegations of sexual abuses and unsolved murders in his bedroom, while he was protected from prosecution by Indian governments. Others have not been able to extricate themselves so easily from criminal investigations, while all are controversial in one way or another. Above all, perhaps, the greatest contradiction to their claims of holiness is the excessive wealth they have set out to generate… the accumulation of goods and riches not being an attribute of a genuine example of a supposed ‘holy’ person. The following gurus are reported on:-

Baba Ramdev

Mata Amritanandamayi (Sudhamani Idamannel)

Sri Sri Ravishankar (Ravi Shankar Ratnam)

Asaram Bapu /Asumal Sirumalani)
“Sant Shri Asharam Ji Bapu is endearingly known as Bapu among all the godmen and self proclaimed saints mentioned above Asaram Bapu is one of the most controversial. He is accused of land grabbing in Gujarat and various other cities and is busy settling the string of cases charged against him “

Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh
“Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh Insaan is the current leader of an organization called Dera Sacha Sauda. Since becoming the head of this sect, he has often been involved in controversy, even having criminal cases filed against him. ” … “Ram Rahim the Dera chief is accused of murder, rape and sexual harassment The most damaging allegation as yet on Baba Ram Rahim is of a female follower’s letter anonymously sent to Prime Minister, President which claimed that Baba Ram Rahim had allegedly raped her and at least 50 more female followers in the Dera Sacha Sauda premises. This Baba is currently out on bail, he is being investigated by the CBI and trial is on before a special CBI court at Ambala.”

• Also read about some of the main criminally charges and convicted gurus of India here: The Dark Side of Very Prominent Hindu gurus